‘I have an author career in my mind,’ says Ananya Suri

Ananya Suri is a law student, currently pursuing her BBA LLB from Amity University (Noida). Her debut poetry book ‘Composure‘ has recently come out. It is a collection of 50 poems that speaks much about the poet’s inner world and thoughts. In a quick fun interview, the Apeejay School, Pitampura alumna speaks about how a simple poem written for her sister’s birthday introduced her into a world of letters, words, deep meanings and more. Read edited excerpts:

Have you been writing since your school days?

Yes. I used to randomly write some paragraphs or some anecdotes from my life in my school years. I had two lovely English teachers at school – Ms Vandana Sharma and Ms Savita Panhotra. They inspired me to build on my love for the English language. They introduced me to some word-meaning clubs as well. My mother also inspired me a lot. She always told me that I have a good command over the language and I must utilise it well. 

However, my journey in poetry began during lockdown, when I started writing poems. I wrote actively on every phase of my life, be it Mother’s day or any other special incident. This was the time when I had just graduated from school.

That is very nice! So what’s your new book about?

The book is titled ‘Composure‘. It is a collection of 50 poems and 3 paragraphs that I had written during my college days. All these poems will be relatable to someone who knows me deeply, they would be able to associate them with various phases in my life.There are many dedications in the book for my parents, siblings and friends. The poems are not very complicated, the language is simple.My book is available on Amazon and the True Books website.

Do all the poems have one common emotion or theme?

Mostly all the poems are romantic. But there are poems on many other ideas as well. My mother used to give me many ideas to write upon . But the majority of poems are romantic. I am a romantic soul. (laughs)

What inspired you to write poetry?

It was my sister’s birthday during the lockdown. I was preparing a slideshow for her and just then I thought of writing a poem for her. I rhymed it and played around with some words. Everybody liked the poem a lot and since then I started writing poetry.

But now that I have a book out, I can see the transformation in my writing. I have changed my pattern, I now write poems with deep meaning.   

How did you go about publishing this book?

I had an Instagram page for my poems. I was approached by someone there to contribute my poems in an anthology (a coming together of many poems from different poets). I went ahead with that idea. Later, I contacted the same publishing house i.e. True Novels Publishing House regarding my individual poetry book. I got ten author copies as per my contract. 

Do you have an author career in mind or is this book only for creative satisfaction?

I do have an author career in mind, but just as a side profession. I would also like to explore content writing. 

Do you recite your poems on the stage as well?

No, I haven’t done that yet. But I am keen for such an opportunity to come.

 Finally, two lines from your favorite poem?

This is from a poem I write for my mother:

 “She is the reason for your perfect collar

So bow down to her because you are now taller”

I wrote this after my mother was very happy to see me formally dressed as I was participating in a law conference.